Das EFX Say Fu-Schnickens Stole Their Style & Explain How (Video)

Das EFX was one of the most original Hip-Hop groups of the 1990s. Krazy Drazy and Skoob’s rough and rugged look, animated flows, and especially their “iggity” cadence and stutter-style delivery caught the attention of music fans worldwide. While their unique “sewa’” style nabbed them accolades and a sizeable record deal at EastWest, it also spawned a slew of imitators. Sadly, many recording artists had more success with their tongue-twisting formula than they did.

A recent documentary from Industry Muscle titled TRB2HH presents: The Untold Story Of Das EFX sheds lights on many details of the duo’s early days. This 50-minute doc explores how they were discovered by EPMD’s Erick Sermon and Parish Smith, why they stuck with Parrish during the EPMD/Hit Squad schism, and how Redman used to be their DJ. However, the most interesting behind-the-scenes anecdote explains why they are confident that the Fu-Schnickens stole their style.

At the 27:18 mark Dray tells of how both EastWest Records and Jive Records were courting them prior to their 1992 debut Dead Serious. An A&R by the name of Sophie from Jive would reportedly take them out for all-expense-paid nights on the town that would usually end at her swanky condo. She would play new acts Jive Records was considering signing for Das and ask their opinion. It turns out the booming 1990s label was also wooing the Brooklyn, New York neighbors the Fu-Schnickens, and Sophie was doing the same routine with them. In his own words, Dray reveals, “She played Fu-Schnickens sh*t for us earlier, and we were like, ‘Ah yeah, we think they’re dope.’ Now, mind you she’s doing the same sh*t, she’s playing our sh*t for them. So, two weeks later, we go back to her crib, and she’s playing us some more Fu-Schnickens shine, and now we’re hearing they’re really starting to sound like us. We’re like, ’Sophie, what the f*ck is going on? People are being influenced!’” The Fu-Schnickens’ F.U. Don’t Take It Personal dropped in February of 1992, while Dead Serious arrived that April.

He admits this faux pas played a role in the two signing with EastWest Records for four albums, instead of becoming label-mates with A Tribe Called Quest, KRS-One, and Too Short. The story also segues into how a beef with Jermaine Dupri over Kris Kross’ hook from their smash hit “Jump” continues to this day.